Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Did you know that Play aggression is part of the educational experience for your cat

I am sure we are all victims of a "cat attack" where we are attacked when we walk by an open door. Play aggression in cats is usually seen in kittens or young cats. In this age they learn to stalk and attack, so they will be able to catch prey such as mice. They also learn the basics of the fighting, as they should, if they are allowed outside.
Kittens to secretly turn on their brothers and sisters and playing rough and tumble games. It's a bit like small children and is an educational game. Sometimes your cat will still do so in adulthood, where they maintain a young mentality. Some breeds are also this way.
Sometimes you play with your cat if you have a gentle nip and a hissing sound. This is your cat's way of saying: "I've had enough, time to stop." It may be that you accidentally touched a very sensitive area, such as neck or torso. Cassie will gently nip at me when I get too close to her belly. Tikki, on the other hand, shifted to invite me to rub her stomach. It all depends on the individual cat.
If this player is facing serious aggression, behavior changes early before it becomes entrenched. If it happens between two cats, it is best to let them work it out. If the game is too rough aggression can spray some water on them or you clap your hands high.
If you have a goal, use the water pistol or shaking a can of marbles or stones. You try to stop cat aggression to distract. You could also say "no" in a firm voice. Sometimes your cat will continue to try to attack you while you sit and relax. If this happens, keep the water gun or spray bottle handy and use it as a cat approaching. Never spray water on the face of the cat, always aim for the intersection. You try to discourage the cat, not afraid of thinking that makes someone to be feared.
Do not play 'rough' games to take that bite. My husband loves to play with Cassie of fur on the back of the chair next to where her calling to knock him back. He pulls his hand away quickly, so they rarely get to him, but occasionally she'll get angry and bite him. He learned his lesson, but seemed to forget the next time he played with her. I managed to solve this problem by moving the furniture around so they no longer near him when she was on the bench.
Pay attention to your cat's body language. This is so important for all interactions between you and your cat. By knowing this, you are able to predict the behavior changed for the worse and either stop what you're doing, or your cat's attention on something new focus.
Play aggression is part of the educational experience for your cat. Let it not be a problem for you or your family.

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